Assalamualaikum.. Recently, En.Ihsan had asked us to find an information about "How To Be A Good Computer Technician".
Computer Technician
A computer repair technician is a person who repairs and maintains computers and servers.
Duties
- inspect and connect new equipment
- configure systems and install and update systems and applications software
- install and configure security software such as firewalls and anti-virus tools
- install, configure and troubleshoot Internet connections
- connect computers to wired and wireless local area networks
- test new systems to ensure that they are in working order
- respond to customer complaints and provide technical advice
- diagnose and troubleshoot hardware and related software problems
- install circuit boards and peripherals
- keep records of maintenance work and repairs
- analyze customer equipment performance records.
Working with customer support analysts, computer service technicians may field test new equipment and report results to engineering and manufacturing personnel.
Working Conditions
Computer service technicians work in surroundings that may vary from clean and well ventilated to cold and dusty. They may be required to lift and carry computer components weighing up to 40 kilograms.
Technicians usually work a standard work week but may be on 24 hour call for specified periods and work overtime when systems malfunction. The work can be stressful when systems are not working properly and customers are upset.
Personal Characteristics
Computer service technicians need the following characteristics:
- good communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with customers in problem situations
- mechanical aptitude and the ability to think logically and analytically
- an aptitude for and interest in math and science
- good problem solving skills
- the ability to work alone and with others.
They should enjoy using instruments and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, taking a methodical approach to gathering information, and assisting technologists and engineers.
How To Become A Good Technician.
Be a Teacher – It’s one thing to show up at a customer’s home, fix their computer problem, collect your check, and take off. It’s another level entirely when you take a moment to explain to them what went wrong and how they can prevent it in the future. Most service calls you make should be accompanied by some form of training for the user. This will help instill a sense of trust with your customers, not only will they feel like you truly have their best interest at heart, but they’ll be excited about the extra bonus they’re getting with their service.
Don’t pass up opportunities to teach your customer how to do different things with their computer. Make it free of charge at first. Then, when you feel you’re comfortable in the role of trainer, start offering classes in things like how to use the latest version of windows, or how to back up data.
Have The Patience of a Saint - Computers are frustrating pieces of machinery. Add frustrated customers who wouldn’t know a a right-click from a hole-in-the-wall, multiply by the amount of technical knowledge you posses, and you have the formula for a bitter and jaded computer tech. You’re going to see the same problems over and over again, from the same customers over and over again, and it’s going to wear you down.
It’s important to keep perspective on things when you’re in the trenches. You’ve got to constantly tell yourself that if it weren’t for these issues, you wouldn’t be in business. Always greet customers with a smile and always take the time to listen to what they have to say. Don’t interrupt them or correct them. Think about how you’re going to explain an issue and stop yourself when you feel like you’re getting too technical. It’s little things like this that make a big impact on customers.
Many company IT guys don’t understand the importance of patience because their corporate customers have no choice but to turn to them when a computer issue arises. Once the customer is given a choice, they’ll choose a tech that makes them feel comfortable and one that doesn’t talk down to them. Learn to be that tech.
Never Stop Learning – In my last interview, Bryce Whitty told us that he feels the single most important trait for a computer technician to have is a desire to never stop learning. I concur 100%. The computer industry grows fast and furious and you’re going to need to constantly sharpen your skills as a tech in order to stay on top.
Many computer techs learn what they need to learn in school and then they seem to feel like they’ll be able to keep up with technology simply by tapping into their previous educational well. That may help you sustain a competent level of troubleshooting ability, but you’ll soon see your businesses effectiveness dwindle.
I say keep learning. Subscribe to industry forums and blogs. Read the latest tech literature. Re-certify yourself every few years. Network with other technicians and take time to “talk shop”. None of these are a silver bullet that will keep you ahead of the game. They must all be a constant part of your life in order to ensure your continued effectiveness.
Learn To Take Time Off - This might seem like a no brainier. In fact, the reason why many quit their job to start their own business is so that they can be afforded the freedom to take time off whenever they choose. But in my experience,this is one of the most overlooked traits on the list. When working for yourself, you don’t have the luxury of allotted vacation time or sick leave. It’s easy to get caught up in your work. If you don’t plan properly, you’ll soon find that you can’t afford to take time off. That time you’re away will be lost profit.
You have to make sure you save and plan for an expected, or unexpected, temporary hiatus. In fact, I would argue that it’s necessary to take some time off every year to unwind and decompress. I know a few independent computer consultants who have left the game because they got burned out. Avoid burn out and stay in the game for the long haul by making yourself take time off.
Experiment Wisely – I see two types of people that don’t make it too far in computer consulting: those who stubbornly stick to the same old methods of doing things, and those that experiment so wildly, they loose focus. Since there is already a strong push towards experimentation in business these days, I’m going to stick with the other extreme.
Beware the trappings of over-experimentation. This is when those super-driven highly motivated techs out there feel like they have to constantly try all of the latest trends in marketing and computer repair. This is fine, to a certain extent. When you never stick with what works, you miss out on the value of experimentation. Wise experimentation means making sure you’re constantly gathering metrics when you try a new tactic to see if the methods you’re using are helping to improve your situation. If so, great, keep them up. If not, move on to the next one. I’ve been surprised by how many people I’ve seen who just bounce from one thing to the next, never taking the time to focus and refine the things that work.
Many of your competitors are probably lacking these skills, but if you hone them, you’ll to gain an edge over those other computer guys in your neighborhood. Concentrate on being a friendly neighborhood computer guy, not jut the typical jaded computer tech that everyone dreads, and you’ll be one step ahead of most of your competition.
Credit : How to become a good technician.
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